News on Catford Town Centre

Lewisham Council is ambitious about the future of Catford town centre and hopes to share the 15-year vision - the draft Catford Framework Plan - with the local community in autumn 2020.

The draft framework plan will seek to transform the town centre by rerouting the south circular road freeing up more space for pedestrians; redeveloping the Catford Shopping Centre for new retail space and providing new homes across the town centre as well as creating pedestrian-friendly areas, open spaces and new community facilities.

COVID-19 has brought significant changes to day-to-day life for local residents and over the summer the Council has been reviewing the draft framework plan to make sure its ideas reflect emerging ways of life and are resilient for the economic challenges ahead.

There’s huge potential to deliver new affordable homes and jobs, but it’s clear from feedback gathered by Team Catford that local people also want to see improvements to the public space in the town centre - a ‘greener’ Catford.

Working with the local community and ward members, the community engagement on the draft Framework Plan - expected to start in autumn 2020 will aim to meet these aspirations.

Reallocating footbridge funding

The Council has determined that a previously discussed option of a footbridge over the Hayes railway line between Doggett Road and Catford Green is unfeasible having carefully considered the complexities and costs associated with making such a crossing accessible. It is proposed that funding secured from the redevelopment of the former Catford Greyhound Stadium, which is now known as Catford Green, should be redirected to pedestrian improvements around Catford Bridge Station and Catford Station to create a safe and welcoming space. Lockdown has forced us to rethink how we get around and we have seen a shift towards more sustainable travel across London. Improvements to the station area will support those who choose to walk or cycle.

Community feedback has informed the proposals for the stations area which will make the area greener, safer and more attractive for everyone. Proposed measures include widening the pavement on Catford Road, a notorious accident hot spot which will improve safety for everyone including cyclists, pedestrians and children and families going to the nearby school.

The reallocation of funding to station area improvements will be considered by Mayor & Cabinet and, if approved, will be shared with the local community as part of the wider community engagement due to start in autumn.

To find out more about the next steps for the Catford Framework Plan and these initial projects visit teamcatford.com

Sign up for updates and to be informed of the dates for public consultation via - https://catfordtowncentre.commonplace.is/news